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Beware deals too good to be True

By James and Morris Carey
The Associated Press

We recently came across a newspaper advertisement inviting readers to take advantage of an “unbelievable” kitchen remodeling “package” for just under $10,000!  The display showed a photo of a lovely kitchen, and even offered to throw in a free sink with presentation of the ad.

Upon closer examination, we noticed a small asterisk next to the price that referenced some very fine print at the bottom of the ad.  It said the special “base package” included: removal and disposal of existing cabinets and countertops; installation of up to 12 cabinets; two 8-foot slab granite counter tops with a bull nose edge and 4-inch backsplash (choice of three colors); cut outs in the slab for a sink and faucet; and installation of a sink and faucet.

Sounds pretty good, right?

Wrong!

Specifics:  What stood out to us as veteran remodelers and consumer advocates were all the missing details.  There’s no way a consumer could end up with a completely remodeled kitchen for the price being offered.  Less-than- respectable contractors use such ads to get their foot in your door and then can bury you with change orders that can double, triple or even quadruple the price.

Sadly, for the unknowing consumer, the small print at the bottom of the ad didn’t include many items or details that typically accompany a kitchen remodel – new appliances, for example.  What could be more wonderful than having a brand new kitchen with beautiful cabinets and countertops with your old coppertone, harvest gold or olive green appliances?  Isn’t that what you were expecting? 

OK, it might happen that you recently purchased a kitchen full of new appliances in anticipation of remodeling (yeah, right).  But even so, there was no mention in the “special offer” of the cost of labor to remove and reinstall existing appliances.

What about electrical work?

Is there a dedicated circuit for the microwave?

What about lighting?

The kitchen sink:  Although the “special package” did mention installation of a sink and faucet, and offered a “free” sink, there was no mention of a new faucet.  How great is that?  New cabinets, new granite counters, a new sink (quality questionable), and your old mineral-deposit-covered faucet that has been leaking for years!

Other glaring oversights in this “kitchen special” include flooring.  Are you prepared to live with your 70s brick-pattern worn vinyl floor, or did you have visions of new hardwood or ceramic tile?  More often than not, kitchen flooring continues into adjoining rooms, so a flooring budget can be sizable.  And don’t forget that existing flooring must be removed and disposed of.  Ka-ching!

Other costs to consider:

-     Cuts for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, along with damage done when removing the existing

      backsplash, will need to be patched and finished.

-     Although you might like your existing paint or paper, 9 times out of 10 it will require repair, replacement or

      a fresh coat of paint.

James and Morris Carey write “On the House,” a syndicated column about home maintenance.  For more information, visit www.onthehouse.com.